At times that title from Proverbs 3:6 seems like a distant dream, but can we find proof that it is working?

I know of a couple who started attending a particular church because they felt like they should. They have been faithful for years now and have worked hard to help out. They have stuck with it when many others have quit. What do they have to show for? It seems in all accounts a happy and healthy family of six. They have a decent house payment, with a decent house. They own two vehicles free and clear. Even though distant family relationships have been a bit strained in the past, those are healing as well.

T-boned!

Let’s step back a bit. Is everything good, with no bad at all? Nope! While driving through town with the van packed with their family they were broadsided by a truck.

They came out of it a bit sore but no other serious injuries. And yet all it would’ve taken was a couple of things be slightly different -just where the truck hit or the seating of the family and the story would have a completely different outcome. Guess what else? This van had an oil leak and some other transmission problems. It was not the in the best shape.

It’s covered!

This would’ve been a perfect place for somebody’s insurance to not cover. Or could have gone to court and been strung out, but none of that happened it was covered. But what did come of it?

Well, they were concerned that they would not find a replacement van because of the prices of the newer vans compared to the old one that was hit. But in fact they found a much nicer and newer –with lower miles that had more bells and whistles and yes, paid cash for it. And if that was not enough they just bought a new quad cab work truck worth $11,000 and again are paying cash for it.

Is it all a coincidence?

We could say that it just happened to work out for them. Some would say they’re just lucky. Others would say it’s because they are such a hard workers. But the fact is things keep working out for them. I’m sure you know plenty of people who work hard.

They have great intentions and things that they want to do to help others. But, they don’t seem to be quite so “lucky”. It seems to me that they have made a life of acknowledging God, and God has piece by piece directed their lives. This has to be the reason for their success, not because they’re incapable of doing hard work that pays off, but because it is just different from others who just work hard.